UPDATEDToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 28, 2013.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Worshiping the Great One”
Psalm 92:1-5
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. 5 How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!
This morning’s Psalm highlights the wonderful joy and blessing of worshipping the Lord. The very act of singing His praise, of worshipping Him, of reflecting on His wonders and goodness is our delight. This praise is verbal, musical, emotional, and reflective. In view of this Psalm, we are encouraged to go deeper and more expansive in our worshipful response to God.
As the psalmist reflects on all that God has done, his response is to worship God. Too many times we gloss over the works of God in us and among us. The psalmist purposefully considers the acts of God and gives Him the proper praise due to His name.
This is a call for us to do likewise. God is calling us to remember who He is, what He’s done, and to give him the proper praise due to Him. Even if you are tight on time right now, take a moment to render unto God a proper worship due Him.
Bible Reading for Today: Micah 3
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I worship and praise You because You are the greatest, for there is none in this entire universe who is more awesome than You—in power, grace, and love. Thank You. Amen.
Lunch Break Study
Read Philippians 4:14-20: Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Background tidbit: The word partnership in verse 15 has been seen a number of times in the book of Philippians. As stated previously, it is the Greek word koinonia which is often translated fellowship.
Questions to Consider
1. How does Paul encourage the Philippians to view their offerings to Paul?
2 What should be behind our giving?
3. Are you plugged into your spiritual community well enough to know what trouble people are in? How can you grow in your involvement and understanding of your community so that others would share their trials with you?
Notes
1. As Paul is teaching the Philippians about giving, he encourages them to view their gift to support him as an offering to God, partnering with Him in the work of the gospel. The gospel enterprise is teamwork where one person is on the field, while others are home supporting him, but they are one team-building God’s kingdom!
2. Note that the physical, monetary gift alone is not what makes the difference, but a heart and attitude of sacrifice and devotion before God is what makes a world of difference!
3. Personal response
Evening Reflection
Father, you will always be my Most High God, my sovereign God. I will be empowered from on high, all of the days of my future, to bring forth good tidings of your kingdom. Pray for an area in your sphere of influence so that the Lord will work through you, and thank Him for what He is going to do.
How do you want me to declare your will tonight, God?